UPDATE: The high school basketball playoffs have officially begun, and the Bay Area News Group has just released its latest predictions for the thrilling matchups ahead. With teams vying for glory, basketball fans are buzzing with excitement as key games unfold this week across the Central Coast and North Coast Section brackets.
Currently, the spotlight is on Friday, February 20, 2026Christian Babcock, Nathan Canilao, and Darren Sabedra—make their picks for six pivotal games. Sabedra, riding high with a remarkable 7-1 record from last week, predicts an upset as he backs the fourth-seeded Bellarmine to triumph over the fifth-seeded The King’s Academy at home. “I think Will Corbett’s going to have a big game,” Sabedra stated confidently, “and Bellarmine, the battle-tested team out of the WCAL, is going to get the W at home.”
Babcock, however, is banking on Menlo-Atherton to clinch victory against Valley Christian in their final CCS Open pool play game on Wednesday. “They’ve been really good this year,” Babcock noted, emphasizing the team’s impressive undefeated league record and strong coaching.
Canilao highlighted an exciting girls’ matchup set for Saturday, featuring a fierce face-off between Northgate and Las Lomas in Division IV. “Two really interesting teams in that bracket,” he remarked, indicating the high stakes for this Walnut Creek showdown.
As playoff fever grips the region, fans are encouraged to tune in to the live coverage of these critical games. The analysts also took a moment to share some light-hearted banter about battling colds during the playoffs and their love for fleece-lined beanies.
THIS WEEK’S PICKS:
BOYS’ GAMES – Friday, February 20, 2026:
– No. 5 The King’s Academy (21-3) at No. 4 Bellarmine (16-8), 7 p.m.
Babcock: TKA
Canilao: TKA
Sabedra: Bell
– No. 5 Dublin (19-8) at No. 4 Liberty (24-3), 7 p.m.
Babcock: Dublin
Canilao: Dublin
Sabedra: Dublin
Wednesday, February 25, 2026:
– No. 7 Menlo-Atherton at No. 6 Valley Christian, 7 p.m.
Babcock: M-A
Canilao: VC
Sabedra: VC
GIRLS’ GAMES – Friday, February 20, 2026:
– No. 6 Pinewood (20-4) at No. 3 Archbishop Riordan (15-7), 6 p.m.
Babcock: Riordan
Canilao: Riordan
Sabedra: Riordan
– No. 5 Alameda (18-9) at No. 4 Acalanes (20-8), 7 p.m.
Babcock: Acalanes
Canilao: Acalanes
Sabedra: Acalanes
– No. 7 Heritage (21-6) at No. 2 Dublin (21-7), 7 p.m.
Babcock: Dublin
Canilao: Dublin
Sabedra: Dublin
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS:
In boys’ action, results included:
– King’s Academy 84, Priory 64
– Bishop O’Dowd 65, Berkeley 56
– St. Ignatius 74, Bellarmine 45
Fans are urged to stay tuned as these games progress, with intense competition ahead. The excitement is palpable, and every moment counts as teams strive for victory. Don’t miss out on the action—check out the video and predictions shared by the Bay Area News Group below.
As the playoffs unfold, watch for updates and see who emerges victorious in this thrilling basketball postseason!